People’s Post | Athlone | Lansdowne | E-Edition 14 October 2025

ATHLONE | LANSDOWNE

For the third time in ten years

Charnelle Arendse from Belgravia and departmental head in the intermediate phase at Belmor Primary School in Hanover Park received a ministerial award for teaching on Monday 6 October.

In October 2022 she came second nationally for excellence in Primary School Teaching and was honoured with her picture on a billboard as one entered Hanover Park

“This award is a reflection of all the excellent educators and also the management at Belmor Primary School amidst a kaleidoscope of social issues in Hanover Park It serves as a reminder of how we raise the ordinary to extraordinary with innovation in our endeavour to deliver quality education for every learner,” she says

“I feel bountifully blessed and I cannot articulate just how grateful I am to God, firstly for making it all possible I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been awarded the Ministerial Award at the National Teaching Awards 2025

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube MP, for introducing this absolutely priceless award that invites, embraces and celebrates the voice of learners across the country at the National Teaching Awards This recognition would not have been possible without the moving and beautiful nomination from my learner, Jade Amos I am eternally grateful!” she says Her journey with the National Teaching Awards actually started in 2015 when she won provincially for

Excellence in Primary School Teaching and represented the Western Cape nationally Then in 2022 she was a National Runner-up for Excellence in Primary School Teaching as well

“It has been a journey of growth, reflection and an opportunity to share best practices The award is incredibly special because it is indicative of the fact that teachers are M A D : Making A Difference! The award is dedicated to all teachers on the Cape Flats who try to deliver quality education amidst a kaleidoscope of overwhelming social issues like gangsterism and poverty, to mention but a few It indicates that we are in the life-changing business! A special thank you to our principal, Carol Poole for her unwavering support and leadership,” she says

“Our learners need an environment in which they feel welcome, acknowledged, seen and loved After we meet that need, we can then truly deliver quality education Our learners also need the lens of the predictable future to be shifted to the preferred future and teaching is the vehicle that can make it possible to arrive at that destination

“One cannot divorce a school from its environment and community

The interconnectedness between schools and the community must be recognised from the onset Belmor Primary School is situated in the heart of Hanover Park, a volatile area characterised by a melange of socio-economic factors like gangsterism, unemployment, poverty and substance abuse to mention a few," Arendse says

Restoring the identity and selfworth of the learners is imperative to her as it is undeniably distorted and their wellness is the top priority

“The support from my family has been thunderously overwhelming and I am immensely thankful for all the

love from my husband, mom, brother and all the family Since we arrived at the airport it has been non-stop celebrations, my brother went all-out to celebrate but I have a series of one-on-one dates ranging from my mom, friends and husband to share every detail My late father, Jonathan Hector, would have been making the biggest fuss, though! I honour his memory through this award as well

“I am currently doing an Advanced Leadership and Management (AdvDip) course at UCT with a group of amazing, innovative and pioneering teachers and lecturers It has expanded my view on being a visionary and effective leader, so that is what I am currently working towards,” she says According to her the characteristics to be a good teacher are adaptability and resilience

“This is key as we teach in an ever-evolving world and as educators we need to lead this evolution through adapting our teaching styles and techniques to cater for a variety of scenarios ranging from advancement in technology and even adapting lessons to accommodate for all learning styles (differentiation)

“Patience, empathy and emotional intelligence is pivotal to understand and support learners’ individual needs My advice to aspiring teaching students is to never cease to learn Commit yourself to lifelong learning and continuous professional development to stay on the forefront of best practices to ultimately deliver quality education Teaching is a work of heart! It is always about our learners so what we do matters every single day!” she says Arendse grew up in Ottery but has lived in Hanover Park for most of her life She has taught for the last 15 years She attended Blomvlei Primary and Belgravia High before obtaining her Bachelor in Education Degree from Cape Peninsula University of Technology at the Mowbray Campus

Join the ‘Great Nurdle Hunt’

KAILIN DANIELS

KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Save a Fishie, an environmental organisation, is calling on ocean lovers to join the Great Global Nurdle Hunt This month-long campaign aims to tackle one of the most dangerous forms of plastic pollution silently invading the shores nurdles.

These tiny, lentil-sized plastic pellets are the building blocks of almost all plastic products, from water bottles to car parts

Though small (typically less than 5 mm), their environmental impact is massive

Nurdles are considered microplastics, and because of their size, they often slip through the cracks of standard waste management and environmental monitoring systems Millions of nurdles end up in our oceans each year, either through industrial spills, poor handling, or improper waste disposal

Once in the ocean, they pose a deadly threat to marine life

"Nurdles, being mistaken for food by marine animals, are ingested

with grave consequences," explains Zoë Prinsloo, founder of Save a Fishie

"They clog digestive systems, cause internal injuries, and release harmful toxins that threaten entire marine ecosystems "

During Save a Fishie's recent Coast to Coast Campaign in August, volunteers found nurdles on 41 of the 111 beaches they visited: a stark reminder of how widespread the problem is "

They just keep washing up on our shores," Prinsloo said

"We managed to remove thousands, but that's only a drop in the ocean This is an environmental crisis that's largely invisible to the public "

The Great Global Nurdle Hunt is in full swing and will continue until Friday 31 October

Prinsloo said while all forms of waste will still be collected, the spotlight this month is firmly on nurdles And people don't have to join a formal clean-up to make a difference All they do is:

. Head to your nearest beach anytime during October

. Look out for nurdles – they're

small, usually translucent or pale-coloured pellets

. Collect and store them safely

. Record your findings: count the nurdles and make a note of where you found them

. Bring them to Save a Fishie, or

connect with the organisation to find out how to contribute

.For more information on how to join the Great Nurdle Hunt,send an email to info@saveafishie co za

Childrenatriskasvaccinationratesdecrease

With immunisation rates for children under 1 year dropping in 2024/2025, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents to make vaccinations a priority

Provincial data shows coverage has decreased to 67,4%, which is a 27,6% drop from the provincial expected target of 95% immunisation coverage

This leaves thousands of infants unprotected against serious diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus

Low immunisation rates have immediate consequences, such as the department providing mass vaccination due to a recent measles outbreak in Khayelitsha, where 60 cases were confirmed as of Monday 6 October

Measles can be life-threatening, particularly in children who are not immunised Declining coverage also weakens herd immunity, making outbreaks more likely and placing vulnerable children at risk

Dr Heather Finlayson, senior specialist in

It’s only October, but my body insists it’s already December The emails pile up, the deadlines loom, and yet I catch myself staring at the screen longer than I should, chasing sentences that don’t want to be found

The mistakes are petty, a misspelled name here, a missing comma there, but they feel heavier than they are Maybe it’s just fatigue

Maybe it’s the slow weight of a year that’s stretched all of us more than we planned for Does it feel that way to you too? Like the year has run ahead, leaving you slightly behind? Each month came and went, fast enough to blur, yet heavy enough to drain

It’s a strange tension, time moving quickly, but the body moving slowly And here we are, with less than three months left, but already counting down as if the year were over October is always a turning point It reminds us that the year is almost done, yet not quite Schools begin to speak of exams, offices whisper about leave schedules,

Infectious Disease at Tygerberg Hospital, said the World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) celebrated 50 years in 2024

Finlayson said globally, vaccination prevents four million deaths each year

“The South African Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) protects children from diseases that can cause school absence, hospitalisation, or death ”

She said vaccines not only protect children who receive them but also those who are too young or medically vulnerable

“When rates drop below 95%, outbreaks of measles and diphtheria appear Vaccines are safe, well-studied, and essential for building healthy children and communities Even a small drop in vaccination coverage can undo years of progress, ” explained Finlayson

PARENTSAREURGEDTO:

. Visit their nearest clinic to check their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet

and shops quietly stock Christmas decorations in the corners

You see it in the malls, in the bright reds and golds peeking out on shelves, in the adverts that already hint at festive sales The reminders are subtle but sure, the finish line is somewhere up ahead

Even nature seems to know the rhythm The days stretch longer, the heat settles into the evenings, and there’s a certain shimmer in the air that signals summer is arriving whether we are ready or not

The purple bloom of flowers a seasonal clock we can almost set our moods to But fatigue doesn’t care about the calendar It sneaks in early It shows up in the form of writer’s block, in afternoons when focus slips through our fingers, in mornings when the snooze button wins It lingers in the sighs between tasks, in the half-written lists, in the quiet thought: “Just three more months ”

Yet the truth is, these are not empty days They still matter They still carry weight They still hold possibility

How do we honour them when we are this tired? How do we stay present when the temptation is to switch into autopilot and wait

. Ensure all scheduled vaccines are up to date

. Bring children who have missed doses for catch-up immunisations

. For more information or assistance,contact or visit your local clinic,and our healthcare providers will assist with immunising your child at no cost

for the year to end? Perhaps the answer lies in gentleness

To treat ourselves not as machines that failed to keep pace, but as humans who have carried much

To forgive the slip-ups, the missed calls, the drafts left unfinished

To recognise that being weary is not weakness; it is evidence that we have been engaged, that we have been present, that we have given of ourselves in ways that left a mark Because alongside the fatigue, there are still signs of life

Small joys that interrupt the haze: laughter at lunch with colleagues, the sight of flowers blooming in unexpected corners, the unexpected kindness of a stranger The way music can lift a dull morning, or how a simple walk can quiet the noise in the mind October carries its own gifts, if we ’ re willing to notice them

Maybe this is the invitation of these last three months to hold both truths at once To admit we ’ re tired and still be open to what the year can offer To rest when we can, but also to dream again, even if only in small ways

A new notebook bought A phone call made A promise kept to yourself These, too, are victories worth

noting So as the year tilts toward its end, I find myself asking, what unfinished thing still deserves my attention? What small habit of care can carry me into December stronger than I feel now? What new chance might still arrive before the fireworks and countdowns?

The temptation is to think it’s too late That if it hasn’t happened yet, it won’t But life doesn’t work that way

Opportunity doesn’t follow the calendar It shows up unexpectedly, in October, in November, in December, in conversations, in ideas, in second chances So yes, we might be tired Yes, the cursor blinks longer before the words appear Yes, mistakes creep in more often But fatigue is not the whole truth of who we are We are also resilient We are still showing up, still moving forward, still holding hope We are still making space for laughter, still pausing to notice beauty, still daring to believe that tomorrow can surprise us And even now, less than three months before the curtain comes down on 2025, the truth remains: Unyaka uyaphela kodwa akukapheli mathuba (The year may end but the opportunities are still there)

Facelift for Hazendal Educare

AVRILFILLIES

Hazendal Educare in Bok-

makierie was one of the Early Childhood Development Centres which received a facelift from the City of Cape Town’s department of community services and health recently

The upgrades at the Educare include the replacement of a wooden

THE ECD IS SAFER WITH THE NEW COMPLETED FIXED FLOOR AND WE

ARE PROUD OF THE NEW FACE OF THE FACILITY

floor in the classroom which was broken for the past nine years and a new sliding door at the front inside entrance

A massive leak in the front entrance passage was also repaired

“At the beginning of the year there were 63 children, but at the moment we only take care of 27 kids after parents lost their jobs and relocated elsewhere The Educare has been in existence for more than 20 years, but

I’m not sure when it was established,” says Verona Khuzwayo, principal at the Educare

Khuzwayo said the centre looks much better and the community is “ very excited”

“The ECD is safer with the new completely fixed floor and we are proud of the new face of our facility This is not the only ECD in the area, but for the residents of Hazendal, this is theirs,” she says The past two weeks they have been without electricity and had to make do with what they have

"There is always something needed and we would like a new more secure outside entrance door, maybe higher fencing, painting inside and outside of the facility and parking for people, when they visit us

“But we believe you have to give small steps and with the upgrade from the City, we are moving in the

right direction,” she says She explained that some of the challenges the educare face include parents who cannot afford to pay fees and the community believing the facility must be made available for their personal use for parties, matric balls, weddings, church services, etc

She has been the principal for nine years and has six staff members and two have recently stopped working

“We would appreciate any assistance from the public and local businesses in Athlone and surrounding areas to invest in the facility and the kids

“We are all familiar with the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, and I am appealing to the community to make the saying a reality in Hazendal, and Athlone at large,” she concludes .For more information or donations you can contact Verona Khuzwayo on 079 661 8942.

Bridgetown beauty in line for Miss SA 2025

AVRILFILLIES

Despite the passing of her grandmother on Thursday 9 October, Bridgette Jones (28) a flight attendant from Bridgetown, will fulfill her commitments as one of the ten finalists for the Miss SA Beauty Pageant in Pretoria

She is one of two finalists from the Western Cape, Ghee-Ann Rademan from the northern suburbs being the other one

The crowning is on Saturday 25 October in the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria

"My late grandmother is the very reason I stand here today, proudly on her shoulders

My grandmother's strength, faith and resilience shaped the foundation of our family She showed me what it means to lead with love, grace and quiet power My other biggest inspiration is my mother Dominique who carries the same spirit forward She is my best friend, my biggest supporter and the woman who's shown me that no dream is too big when it's rooted in hard work and heart Their love and strength are the reason I believe in myself and in the power of community," says Jones

Whether she wins the crown or not, her aim is to make a difference in Bridgetown by working hand in hand with community leaders, parents and residents who are already doing the work to make a difference in Bridgetown

"My goal is to use my platform to create safe spaces through sport and recreation - starting with improving the spaces we already have I believe that when we invest in our courts, fields and community spaces, we invest in our youth These spaces can become hubs of opportunity - where young people feel safe, seen and supported

"It was never my dream to be a finalist in a Miss South Africa pageant My purpose has always been grounded in service

Growing up in Bridgetown, I witnessed how gang violence robbed young people of their potential and their dreams That gave me a deep sense of responsibility to be part of the solution," Jones says

To her being crowned as a Miss South Africa isn't just a title - it is a powerful platform that can give the winner the tools, the network and the reach to create real change in communities like on the Cape Flats

"I truly admire Zozibini Tunzi because she represented so much more than a crown She

stood for power, grace and purpose She showed young women - especially those who come from humble beginnings - that they can lead by being their true selves From Mia le Roux, the current Miss South Africa and differently-abled person to win the crown, her story reminds me that limitations don't define us What defines us is how we choose to show up She's turned her challenges into power, using her platform to advocate for the hearing-impaired and differently-abled community

"Le Roux inspires me to remember that being true to who I am, with all my fears and imperfections, isn't a weakness It's actually the strongest foundation for real impact As a child I was very shy and an introvert and my mom enrolled to do modelling courses to help me build confidence - especially in how I carry myself and pushing me to face it But if I'm honest, I'm still

a little shy," she says

What changed is that she's learned to push through the shyness

"I've learned that confidence isn't about never feeling nervous - it's about showing up anyway, trusting who you are and allowing your purpose to be louder than your fear It's also about reframing that fear and saying, "oh I see you, you ' re the brave little one!" Jones says Her advice to young shy teenagers is, “being shy doesn't mean you are weak It just means your voice is quieter - and that's okay What matters is that you don't let that quietness stop you from showing up

"Confidence isn't something you ' re born with - it's something you build one brave step at a time Start by trusting yourself, even in small ways Speak up, try new things and remember: your voice matters, even if it's soft

"My heart aches with the absence of my grandmother, I feel comfort knowing she is now surrounded by His love I love her with all of my heart and may the perpetual light of God shine upon her forever I know she'll be with me and guiding me through the rest of the pageant until the new Miss South Africa is crowned," she says The

New library for Groenvlei High

AVRILFILLIES

Groenvlei High School in Lansdowne was one of two schools that benefitted from GrandWest’s library programme with a total value of just under R600 000 on Thursday 11 September, just before the September school holidays

The school erected a plaque at the library to commemorate the completion of their new library The school became the first senior high school, along with Uitsig Primary in Uitsig, to receive a makeover worth over R400,000

The opening of the new library at Groenvlei High was attended by dignatories from the City of Cape Town and local councillors

The refurbishment includes new shelving, flooring, ceiling and window blinds Walls were freshly painted and upgraded electrical work completed A reading nook was created to enable the learners to immerse themselves in reading, and seven computers have been installed to make research projects easier

“We assisted these two schools because we believe that knowledge is power and nowhere is our investment more appropriate than in libraries They are valuable resources

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER,

that provide free and equal access to information, promoting education, culture and lifelong learning which help young people in their lives well beyond the school years We hope the learners of both schools will spend many fruitful hours enjoying their new spaces, ” says Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager of GrandWest

Groenvlei High was established in July 1975, and in recent years, has focused on enhancing its educational offerings, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives The school has 35 staff members and 1081 learners

Many of the learners come from low-income households and lack access to resources that can help them succeed academically The library will provide the learners access to computer research as well as broadening their reading abilities

“Adding to the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the new library are new features such as tables, chairs, ottomans, a teacher’s chair and table, data projector and white board Most importantly, reading books were supplied for the library,” says Naidoo

Kitefestivalisasymbolofhopeforsomanypeople

NAMHLA MONAKALI

NAMHLA MONAKALI@NOVUSMED A CO ZA

October marks mental health awareness month across the globe , and for more than three decades, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been a safe and uplifting space for people to talk openly about their mental health, free from stigma or fear

Since its launch in 1994, this flagship event by mental health care organisation Cape Mental Health (CMH) has united artists, ambassadors, mental health care users, volunteers, and supporters to share stories of struggle, healing, and hope Each story helps to break down barriers and build a more compassionate community, one where mental health can be spoken about without

judgment The festival will take place at the Youngsfield Military Base in Wynberg on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October

The event follows World Mental Health Day (WMHD), which was commemorated on Friday 10 October This year, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has adopted the theme: “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies ” In South Africa, the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) is focusing on the theme: “Addressing Violence as a Significant Challenge to Mental Health ”

VIOLENCEASACATASTROPHE

CMH warns that persistent violence in Cape Town through ongoing gang conflicts, gender-based violence,

alcohol and drug-related crimes and taxi wars, acts as a daily catastrophe with long-term mental health consequences

CMH said in a press statement despite more than 30 years of democracy, violent crime remains widespread, leaving communities trapped in cycles of trauma and fear

“Exposure to violence erodes mental health, causing anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and strained relationships,” read the statement It further said children and young people exposed to trauma are especially vulnerable, often facing emotional and behavioural challenges that affect their education and future wellbeing

According to WFMH, one in five people exposed to catastrophes

develop a diagnosable mental health condition

Yet access to quality care remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa

APREVENTABLECRISIS

CMH describes the violence crisis as both a social and mental health emergency, but emphasises that it is preventable

“Violence in South Africa is not inevitable , it’s a result of complex social, economic and systemic failures that can be addressed through coordinated prevention, better crime intervention, and stronger investment in mental health services,” the organisation said

Greater access to psychosocial support, trauma counselling and

community-based mental health care can help survivors rebuild their lives and reduce the long-term impact of violence

For Professor Ingrid Daniels, chief executive officer for CMH, this year ’ s WMHD provides a vital opportunity to spotlight the “catastrophe” of violence on South Africans’ wellbeing

“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk about the current situation, call for urgent multi-sectoral responses and solutions, but most of all to urge those affected to seek assistance and access mental health support ”

She added a powerful reminder

“Trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility

“Life gets better when we prioritise mental health ”

Four-year-oldboykilledin‘senselessshooting’inMorayCourt

The senseless shooting that claimed the life of a four-year-old boy in Moray Court in Hanover Park on Wednesday 8 October was strongly condemned by Anroux Marais, Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety

The child was caught in the crossfire when suspects, believed to be linked to gangs, opened fire in public He was rushed to a medical facility for treatment but tragically succumbed

to his injuries a day later

Marais said: “My heart breaks for the family of this young boy, and for all families who have lost children to gang violence These thugs show a total disregard for the very communities that raised them Our children are paying the price of their callous acts ” Marais welcomed the swift action by the South African Police Service, which led to the arrest of two

17-year-old suspects shortly after the shooting "It is unacceptable that our children are being caught in the crossfire of gang violence I strongly condemn this heinous act and commend the police for their rapid response, " she said

The minister urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served, not only for the victim and his family, but also for

the safety and wellbeing of the broader Hanover Park community

“The investigation must go beyond bringing these suspects to book We need to know who enabled these young individuals to get their hands on a firearm The source of that weapon must be tracked down, and those responsible must be held accountable It is tragedies like this that highlight the desperate need for police to be better resourced ”

She further called on all communities affected by gangsterism to support law enforcement by reporting information that could lead to further arrests, the recovery of illegal firearms, and the dismantling of gang networks

“We cannot allow criminal elements to continue terrorising our neighbourhoods I urge residents to stand with us and assist the police in rooting out gangsters and their enablers ”

From the classroom to red carpet

It’s matric ball season, and Grade 12 learners across the country are celebrating the end of their school journey in style with glamorous outfits, memorable moments, and lifelong friendships on full display.

For many, the matric dance is more

than just a formal event it's a rite of passage, marking the transition from high school to adulthood After years of hard work, exams, and latenight study sessions, the event offers learners a well-deserved evening of joy, celebration, and reflection

People’s Post asked readers to send us photos of their special day

RedcarpetrolledoutasWCcelebratesculturalexcellence

KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The red carpet was rolled out at the Artscape Theatre on Tuesday 7 October, as the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport honoured the province’s top talent in arts, culture and heritage

Under the theme “Journey from Darkness into Light: Thrive”, the evening was a celebration of creativity and contribution, recognising artists, linguists, librarians, and heritage custodians for their lasting impact across the Western Cape (WC) Winners were crowned across a range of categories, including Excellence in Performing Arts Award, a project that promotes South African Sign Language or the marginalised indigenous languages of the Western Cape, The Best Friends of the Public Library and Ministerial Commendations Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, while Dr Isaac Balie was one among those who received a Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong contribution in his field

Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, was also recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts

Jabaar Mohamed, provincial director of DeafSA Western Cape, won the Project that Promotes South African Sign Language or the Marginalised Indigenous Languages of the Western Cape category for his TV show called Accessibility with Jabaar Speaking to People’s Post, Mohamed said the award is more than just a “trophy”

“It’s a recognition of years of advocacy, passion, and belief in my media platform Accessibility with Jabaar TV talk show on Cape Town TV It represents the roots of inclusivity for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disability communities because that’s where true community begins ” Mohamed said it’s a powerful reminder that accessibility matters, and that voices expressed through South African Sign Language (SASL) are

“finally being seen and valued”

“I dedicate this award to everyone who continues to break barriers and create equal opportunities for all

to do more This award doesn’t mean I’m done; it’s just the beginning

There’s still so much I’m planning ” The Best Friends of the Public Library award went to the Friends of the Central Library Mike Klink, chair of the Friends of Central Library, said: “It takes a lot of work to build relationships in the library ecosystem This win is not just about my leadership but about my team and everyone contributing We encourage people to come to the Central Library to see what the friends of the library are doing They are welcome to partner with us to create more creative and innovative ideas ” Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, said art is the mirror and heartbeat of society “It captures our shared struggles and triumphs, reminding us that creativity is both our refuge and renewal The theme speaks to the spirit of our province, a spirit that refuses to be defeated by hardship and instead transforms it into hope, beauty, and understanding “When we celebrate our artists, we celebrate resilience, imagination, and the belief that through culture, we move forward ”